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Motorcycles have a history that dates back to the second half of the 19th century. In 1894, Hildebrand & Wolfmüller were the first to produce a “motorcycle,” and it didn’t take long before Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company and Harley-Davidson came along to help explode its popularity.
Beaumont native and motorcycle enthusiast Amber Cohen has been around bikes her entire life and will be one of more than 700 women who partake in the Ladies in Leather Parade and Rally this weekend in Beaumont from Sept. 7-10.
Ladies in Leather, the largest traveling all-female motorcycle parade in the United States, invite the community of Southeast Texas to watch the parade, for free, at noon on Saturday, Sept. 9. The parade begins at Spindletop Gladys City-Boomtown near Lamar University and will end at the Holiday Inn Plaza on Walden Road.
“We want the public to come out and support this parade in my hometown,” said Cohen. “We have riders that are teenagers to late 80s, and even passengers that are 90 years old. It’s women of all backgrounds.” Cohen said the public can expect to see all sorts of motorcycles such bikes on two wheels, three wheels, Spiders, Sling Shots, sport bikes, Indians, Harleys, Ninjas and even the speedy crotch rockets.
There are several viewing parade locations along the route – BAW Resale (1096 Calder Ave.), Tacos La Bamba (2005 Calder Ave.), Struggle Street Brewery (2145 Calder Ave.), The Park on Calder (2535 Calder Ave.), Rao’s Bakery (2596 Calder Ave.), The Logon Café (3805 Calder Ave.), Image 360 (3930 Phelan Blvd.) and Little Woodrow’s (6210 Phelan Blvd).
The parade’s Grand Marshal is Dana D’Arcy, a Guinness World Record holder for the “Longest Journey on a Motorcycle in a Single Country – Individual.” D’Arcy rode 82,598 miles from April 3, 2022 to Aug. 5, 2022.
“It really is inspiring to see all these women,” said Cohen. So we want you to bring your kids and your grandparents.”
The public is also encouraged partake in a community-wide food drive. Nonperishable food items will then be donated to Beaumont’s Market of HOPE (Help Others to Eat). They will also receive a discount ticket to enter the rally at Holiday Inn Plaza on Sept. 8-9. The event will feature ladies’ motorcycle games, a bike show, and a diverse array of vendors. Live entertainment will be a highlight, featuring performances by acclaimed bands such as Cajun Harmony, Tinted Vision, Catalina Wine Mixer, Steve Boyster, Flava Band, LA Roxx and more. The excitement doesn’t stop there – the weekend will be further electrified by the side-splitting comedy hypnotist show by Gary Michael.
Tickets to the rally are $30 per day or $50 for the weekend. For those who donate four nonperishable food items, they will receive a $10 admission fee discount.
“We are so excited to host these women,” said Dean Conwell, executive director for the Beaumont CVB. “The annual motorcycle parade and rally led by women not only ignites excitement, but also drives economic prosperity by drawing in riders, enthusiasts, and visitors, fueling local businesses and hospitality establishments, and establishes Beaumont as a must-visit destination for motorcycle enthusiasts and beyond.
“This event is bringing in nearly 800 people to the city, and it shows that Beaumont is capable and welcoming to hosts meetings and events this size while also positively affecting the local economy.”
For more information, including parade routes, ticketing details, and a full entertainment schedule, view ladiesinleatherparade.com.